"But the unnamed surgeon refused, walking out of the operation and forcing staff at Sheffield's Royal Hallamshire Hospital to find a replacement. She later accused Czech-born Dr Rogozov, who has worked in Britain for ten years, of racial discrimination."

"Dr Rogozov claimed colleagues had long-standing concerns but added 'no one dared to highlight this issue because they feared being accused of racism or intolerance'.

"Dr Rogozov also spoke of an incident where a male doctor recited extracts from the Koran during surgery, and claimed Muslim staff took prayer breaks during operations."